Refrigeration Plant Operator B Practice Test

The function of an evaporator in a refrigeration system is to:

1. Control the flow of refrigerant

2. Reject heat

3. Absorb heat

4. Compress refrigerant vapor

The correct answer is: Absorb heat

The function of an evaporator in a refrigeration system is to absorb heat. In a refrigeration cycle, the evaporator is the component where heat is extracted from the environment or the material being cooled, which causes the refrigerant inside the evaporator to change from a liquid to a vapor. This process of heat absorption is essential for lowering the temperature of the space or substance being cooled. As the refrigerant absorbs heat, it undergoes a phase change, which is crucial for the refrigeration cycle to function effectively. The heat absorbed in the evaporator is subsequently carried away by the refrigerant as it moves on to the compressor, where it is then compressed and cycled back through the system. Thus, the primary role of the evaporator is to provide cooling by absorbing heat from its surroundings, making it a vital component in maintaining the desired temperature in a refrigeration system.